TEENAGERS were sold cigarettes by unscrupulous shopkeepers - even when they were told the youngsters were not legally allowed to smoke.

That is the shock finding of an undercover operation conducted by trading standards officials, which caught out 78 traders in Warrington.

The shop assistants failed the teen trial despite being warned by their potential customers that they were aged under 16.

And one shop worker even helped a 14-year-old to operate a cigarette vending machine.

The borough council service enlisted the services of young helpers to conduct the survey, which targeted 170 retailers.

Clr Mike Hannon, community services chairman, responding to the findings, said: "The ease with which 14-year-olds can buy cigarettes in Warrington is very disturbing."

Shopkeepers who might be tempted to repeatedly flout the law were warned of the potential consequences - prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500 upon conviction.

Trading standards chiefs say that by working to eliminate underage cigarette sales they hope to reduce the risk of more young people becoming addicted to the demon weed.

The results, combined with the fact that Warrington Police dealt with 276 teenage drinking episodes, have prompted the launch of Warrington's first Proof Of Age card in the run up to National Consumer Week.

Traders are believed to be in support of the initiative, which could also provide discounts for council-run sports, leisure and transport services.

Added Clr Hannon: "I am pleased to see the enforcement action and Proof Of Age card.

"But the whole community has a part to play in dealing with the increasing demand from teenagers to take up smoking."

Golden Square will host a public exhibition by trading standards officers from October 21 to 23 dealing with the issue of underage sales.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.